Botanic Gardens Banksia General Information ● Genus: Banksia. ● Family: Proteaceae. ● Named after: Sir Joseph Banks (1743-1820). ● In 1777, Banks was the first European to collect specimens of the Banksia. ● 173 Banksia Species. ● Archaeological records show Banksia have existed for 61 million years, from a Banksia archaeocarpa fruit fossil found in the Kennedy Range National Park. "The Genus Banksia." Australian Government, n.d. Web. 9 July 2015. <https://www.anbg.gov.au/banksia/>. "Groundbreaking Discovery in Plant Adaptations to Fire." Curtin University. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 July 2015. <http://news.curtin.edu.au/media-releases/groundbreaking-discovery-in-plant-adaptations-to-fire/>. Where is the Banksia Found? ● 172/173 Banksia species endemic to Australia. o Banksia dentata reaches New Guinea. ● Found on the coast throughout Australia, but the south of Western Australia has the greatest diversity. ● Scarcely found in arid regions or eastern Australian rainforests. Source: https://www.anbg.gov.au/banksia/ "The Genus Banksia." Australian Government, n.d. Web. 9 July 2015. <https://www.anbg.gov.au/banksia/>. Banksia Appearance ● Range from small, woody plants to low-branching trees up to 25m tall. ● Tree forms typically have single, irregularly shaped trunk and shrub forms typically have multiple stems at ground level. ● Head made up of hundreds to thousands of small flowers occurring in dense clusters. o Colours: yellow, orange, red pink, violet. ● Most species have long, coarsely toothed leaves, with some having more needle-like foliage. ● Hard and woody follicles grouped to appear as cones. ● Many species have fire-tolerant trunks or stocks Source: https://www.anbg.gov.au/banksia/ called lignotubers formed by either bush fires or heavy pruning with bark at least 1 cm thick. "ANPSA Plant Guide: Banksia." ANPSA Plant Guide: Banksia. Australian Native Plants Society, n.d. Web. 09 July 2015. <http://anpsa.org.au/banksia1.html>. Banksia follicles ● “Banksia fruit.” ● Woody, hard “cones,” contain two seeds per follicle. ● Closed until heated (bushfire). ● If dies from drought, does not release its seeds. ● Banksia can resprout after exposure to fire and germinate its seeds. "Plant Profile: Banksia." Gardening Australia -. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 July 2015. <http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s1866602.htm>. Why is banksia unique? ● Creates great food for animals (like cockatoos). ● Fully grown banksia sports hundreds of flower heads containing the seeds. ● Used for fire starting, beverage sweeteners, toothbrushes, and combs. ● Used today for wood and bracelet making. ● Aboriginals used nectar from the flowers as part of their diet. •All •Different species species of Banksia found in Banksia integrifolia the Botanic possess a Gardens wide are unique variety of from the leaf types, wild Banksia robur* sizes, and species of shapes. Banksia found in Katoomba Banksia serrata* *Classification Controversial Banksia integrifolia as a fully grown tree Banksia robur as a young Banksia serrata as a large bush bush ● Species: Banksia integrifolia (884743) ● Coast Banksia ● Qld, NSW, Vic, Tas ● coastal sand, dunes, or estuaries ● Heath/Forests ● Threatened by rising sea levels ● 10/20 m, 100 years Botanic Gardens Plaque Council, Hornsby Shire. Fact Sheet. (n.d.): Integrifolia/Coast Banksia. Web. 9 July 2015http://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/media/documents/enviro nment-and-waste/bushland-and-biodiversity/native-tree- database-fact-sheets/Fact-sheet-Banksia-integrifolia-Coast- Banksia.pdf Wisdom with Peter ● “epicormic buds” ● Pale Yellow Flowers ● Nectar/Pollen/Fruit ● Botany Bay Connection ● Oven application Source: https://www.anbg.gov.au/banksia/.